Jean Johnson

Douglas V. Whisnant appears in General Sessions Court following his arrest in March 2007.

Douglas V. Whisnant, 61, of the Ditney Trail community, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on federal gun charges in March, culminating the first leg of his legal battle. Whisnant is scheduled to go to trial on July 20, 2009, to face state murder charges. Prosecutors say Whisnant killed his ex-wife, 66-year-old Jean Johnson. Johnson disappeared from her home in February 2007. Her body has not been recovered.

LATEST NEWS:

• Murder suspect gets 25-year sentence (March 19, 2009)
• Closure awaited by missing woman's family (Feb. 26, 2009)
• New defense tactic in Whisnant case (Aug. 7, 2008)
• Feds beef up charges against Whisnant (Aug. 7, 2008)
• Whisnant indicted on murder charge (Feb. 28, 2008)